Bikers turn out for Peter Allen

The cavalcade of motorbikes en route to Easthampstead Park Crematorium

The sound of a cavalcade of motorbikes echoed around the countryside last week as bikers turned out to remember a friend.

Peter Allen, from Arborfield, who was chief marshal for the annual Reading Toy Run, died at the age of 66 on Wednesday, April 27.

Before his funeral at Easthampstead Crematorium in Bracknell on Thursday last week, bikers lined up at the Royal British Legion in Arborfield to ride to the crematorium.

Many were members of Thames Vale Advanced Motorcyclists group, while others from the Norton Owners Club joined in.

The procession also involved riders who had taken part in the annual Reading Toy Run, during which hundreds of bikers ride from Reading to Wokingham to deliver Christmas presents to Barnardo’s High Close School in Wokingham.

Plumbing engineer Mr Allen had been involved in the event since its early days 25 years ago.

He was the event’s chief marshal in recent years, making sure it was safe and well organised.

Phil Donovan, from Bagshot, a fellow member of Thames Vale Advanced Motorcyclists, said: “He was very influential and well loved.

“The main purpose of the group is to get people through their advanced tests.

“He did a huge amount of work with them and became incredibly popular.”

Mr Allen developed cancer through working closely with asbestos during his career.

Mr Donovan added: “When he started out, no-one knew the dangers of asbestos. Unfortunately last September he started to become ill but he wasn’t diagnosed until Christmas.”

Reading Toy Run organiser Ben Spiller, of Reading Christian Bikers, said in his blog: “Having made all the arrangements for last year’s run, Peter was too ill to attend as lung cancer began to take hold.

“Pete leaves a huge hole in the lives of all who knew him – a hugely generous spirited gentleman that will be missed by us all.”

Mr Allen’s family have asked well-wishers to donate to the Thames Valley & Chiltern Air Ambulance in lieu of flowers.